David Lockington meets with band students

Grand Rapids conductor interacts with students

Grand Rapids conductor interacts with students


Wearing jeans and comfortable shoes, David Lockington adjusts his cello after earning a round of applause for his performance on the stringed instrument. Mr. Lockington began his career as principal cellist with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. After completing his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Cambridge, he came to the U.S. on a scholarship to Yale University, where he received his master's degree in cello performance and studied conducting with Otto Werner Mueller. He was a member of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra and served as assistant principal cellist for three years with the Denver Symphony Orchestra before turning to conducting.

Prior to leading the Grand Rapids Symphony, Mr. Lockington held the music directorships of the Long Island Philharmonic, New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, Cheyenne Symphony and Ohio Chamber Orchestra. For three years he held the post of assistant conductor with the Denver Symphony Orchestra and Opera Colorado. Mr. Lockington was also associate conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

The conductor sings a Ladino folk song

The conductor sings a Ladino folk song

The guest artist displayed his excellent singing ability while playing the cello as a percussive device.

A keyboard of a different kind

A keyboard of a different kind

Lockington uses an amplified computer to share clips of music with the students, explaining how the chords, rhythm, and flow of the composition affect the listener.